Unitarian Universalists for a Just Economic Community

About Us

Unitarian Universalists for a Just Economic Community (UUJEC) was founded in 1994 as a dynamic, independent grassroots affiliate of the UUA. Our mission is to engage, educate, and activate Unitarian Universalists to work for economic justice, recognizing that as people of faith in the struggle for justice, we are supporting and renewing our spiritual lives. Our current focus is challenging corporate dominance. Also we are developing criteria for UU congregations to be Economic Justice Congregations. Our philosophy is rooted in the UU liberal religious tradition - to create a world of justice, equity, and compassion. Our method of fighting injustice was developed by faith-based groups in Latin America in the 1970s-80s. In using the dynamic process of study, action and reflection, we work for economic and social change. Our work contributes to a broader movement for social change, in collaboration with the UUA, UU Service Committee and grassroots organizations.

UUJEC Headline News

In 2013, UUJEC began writing and working for a CSAI on Escalating Inequality, with Dr. Dick Burkhart taking the lead. The process is similar to writing a grant proposal, writing about goals, documenting authorities and listing references.Read more here: http://uujec.com/csai

Congress is pushing legislation right now that would "Fast Track" the Trans-Pacific Partnership—a secretive agreement negotiated behind closed doors by government bureaucrats and more than 600 corporate lobbyists. It threatens everything you care about: democracy, jobs, the environment, and the Internet.Read more here: http://uujec.com/stopTPP

What We Do...

UUJEC engages, educates, and activates UUs

UUJEC engages.... Help UUs to network and collaborate at the local and national level. Strengthen key UU multi-congregational alliances throughout the country. Present workshops at UUA District meetings and churches. To date, UUJEC action has resulted in two UUA Resolutions/Statements of Conscience: Working for a Just Economic Community (1997) and Economic Globalization and its Consequences (2003).

UUJEC educates... Developed curricula on economic justice for UU congregations nationwide.To date, nearly 200 UU churches have used our curricula. Sponsored nationally known speakers on economic justice at UUA's annual General Assembly. Our 2004 lineup included Dr. Michael Parenti, the distinguished historian and author; Amy Goodman, acclaimed host of the Democracy Now radio program; and Dr. Peter Phillips, Director of Project Censored. Hosted an annual UU Panel Discussion on Economic justice to foster information exchange about the exemplary work being done within the UU community. Manage a website enabling UU activists to exchange information about economic justice being done within the UU community.

UUJEC activitates... Mobilize UUs to participate in national protest events. For example, in November 2003 UUJEC organized UUs from around the country to join the Stop FTAA (Free Trade Area of the Americas) Campaign in Miami. As part of the Campaign, UUJEC distributed FTAA learning packets to congregations, led an east coast caravan to educate UUs enroute to Miami, and delivered 3,000 signed UU Stop the FTAA postcards to the US Trade Representative. Sponsor annual life-changing trips to Mexico to experience the impact of current trade policies on the poor, the environment and labor rights, along with the powerful organizing work being done by the independent and democratic labor movement.

Our Commitment

Our Commitment... Join our nationwide network of over 1500 UU activists committed to living out UU values by working for economic justice. As a member of UUJEC, you will become part of a UUJEC "cluster" of congregations and individuals sharing our commitment. Benefits include:

Our newsletter, The Call.

UUJEC announcements.

Training materials and workshops on economic justice.

A UUJEC Website with resource materials, and write ups on UU action campaigns.

An opportunity to provide UUJEC with needed funds to continue leading UUs in the struggle for economic justice.

Our Vision

UUJEC ignites the passion for justice within the heart of every UU by
channelling it into strategic actions that make a difference in people's lives.
UUJEC envisions a world that sustains ALL living beings, where ALL people
share the riches of the planet, where ALL voices are heard, where the inherent
worth and dignity of every person is recognized and affirmed as set forth in
our Unitarian Universalist Principles.